Principal Advisor

Tiaki Wai; Lower Hutt; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working from home (up to 2 d/

Wellbeing programme

Professional development opportunities

5 weeks annual leave after 2 years

Job summary

Tiaki Wai is seeking a Principal Advisor, Communications and Engagement to act as a trusted advisor to the Head of Communications and Engagement across the greater Wellington region.

You will lead strategic communications and engagement initiatives on complex programmes, build strong relationships with communities and stakeholders, and guide the organisation on how to connect with people and make informed decisions that support public outcomes.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior communications and engagement experience.
• Track record of leading complex programmes and advising senior leaders.
• Sound knowledge of strategic communications and stakeholder engagement in local government, infrastructure, utilities or regulated environments.
• Exceptional communication skills across media, digital, internal and executive channels.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor and develop high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead best-practice frameworks and approaches that strengthen communications capability and consistency.
• Coach, mentor and support communications professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Help safeguard and enhance Tiaki Wai's reputation through expert advice, proactive communications and skilled change leadership.

Skills

Senior communications

Stakeholder engagement

Executive communication

Leadership coaching

Relationship building

Education

Tertiary qualification in communications

Job description

• Build trusted relationships and drive strategic organisational outcomes




• Lead high impact communications




• Petone based

This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week.

The opportunity

As Principal Advisor, you will be a trusted advisor to the Head of Communications and Engagement, helping shape how Tiaki Wai connects with people, communities and stakeholders across the region. Working on complex and high-profile initiatives, you will provide strategic advice, build strong relationships, and lead communications and engagement approaches that support informed decision-making and meaningful outcomes for people across greater Wellington.

In this role you will:

• Lead best-practice frameworks and approaches that strengthen communications capability and consistency




• Coach, mentor and support communications professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture




• Help safeguard and enhance Tiaki Wai's reputation through expert advice, proactive communications and skilled change leadership

About you

To be successful in this role you will bring:

• Extensive senior communications and engagement experience, with a track record of leading complex programmes and providing advice to senior leaders




• Sound knowledge of strategic communications and stakeholder engagement practices with experience in local government, infrastructure, utilities or regulated environment




• Exceptional communication skills, including strong writing expertise across areas such as media, digital, internal and executive communications




• A strong collaborative leadership style, with a proven ability to coach, mentor and develop high-performing teams




• Proven ability to build trusted relationships, influence stakeholders and work collaboratively across diverse and complex environments




• A tertiary qualification in communications, media or a related field, combined with high levels of integrity and credibility

Benefits

At Tiaki Wai, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home




• Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually




• Formal and informal professional development opportunities




• 5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service

About us

Tiaki Wai is a council-owned organisation responsible for managing the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington.

We manage public-owned extensive water infrastructure and oversee the delivery of safe and reliable services for our communities. We focus on long-term investment, asset management, maintenance, and delivering major infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental protection, and regional growth.

Water is a precious taonga. At Tiaki Wai, we put care into every drop and are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Leadership.

Applications close: Wednesday 14 October 2026.

Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Tiaki Wai. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.